How serious is vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be a stressful and life-altering one in many ways. Pain from sitting for prolonged periods can make it difficult to do your job. The difficulty or impossibility of sexual intercourse can damage relationships.

How many years can vulvodynia last?

The pain, burning or irritation associated with vulvodynia can make you so uncomfortable that sitting for long periods or having sex becomes unthinkable. The condition can last for months to years.

Is vulvodynia a neurological disorder?

It can also affect the area around the urethra and the top of the legs and inner thighs. The pain involved in vulvodynia is neuropathic, which means it stems from abnormal signals from the nerve fibers in the vulval area. The nerve endings are hypersensitive.

Does vulvodynia last forever?

Vulvodynia is vulvar pain which does not have a clear cause and where there are no physical signs of irritation. Although vulvodynia can last for years, there are treatments to manage its symptoms. Vulvodynia will often go away by itself.

Does vulvodynia get worse over time?

Sexual intercourse, walking, sitting, or exercising can make the pain worse. Vulvodynia usually starts suddenly and may last for months to years. Although it isn’t life threatening, the pain may make you cut back on some of your normal activities.

Can surgery cure vulvodynia?

In cases of localized vulvodynia or vestibulodynia, surgery to remove the affected skin and tissue (vestibulectomy) relieves pain in some women.

Is vulvodynia caused by stress?

Like vulvodynia, stress has been identified as one of the triggers. Vulvodynia takes a significant toll on a woman’s well-being.

Can vulvodynia make you infertile?

Although vulvodynia doesn’t directly affect fertility, trying to conceive with the additional challenge of vulvar pain can create stress, which may in turn affect your fertility. Sometimes, stress can cause a brief menstrual upset or completely stop menstruation.

How I got rid of my vulvodynia?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Try cold compresses or gel packs.
2. Soak in a sitz bath.
3. Avoid tightfitting pantyhose and nylon underwear.
4. Avoid hot tubs and soaking in hot baths.
5. Don’t use deodorant tampons or pads.
6. Avoid activities that put pressure on your vulva, such as biking or horseback riding.
7. Wash gently.

Can vulvodynia affect the bladder?

Patients also might feel like they are experiencing recurrent bladder infections, with symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urination and a strong urge to urinate. However, if they have vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis, a lab test will show no infection-causing bacteria in their urine.

Can vulvodynia cause infertility?

Can vulvodynia be psychological?

Vulvodynia is associated with several comorbid physical and psychological conditions, in addition to the financial, sexual, and relational consequences suffered by affected women and their partners.

Is vulvodynia life-threatening?

Vulvodynia is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be a stressful and life-altering one in many ways. Pain from sitting for prolonged periods can make it difficult to do your job. The difficulty or impossibility of sexual intercourse can damage relationships. Like any kind of pain, it can affect the ability to sleep well.

What does vulvodynia mean in medical terms?

Overview. Vulvodynia (vul-voe-DIN-e-uh) is chronic pain or discomfort around the opening of your vagina (vulva) for which there’s no identifiable cause and which lasts at least three months. The pain, burning or irritation associated with vulvodynia can make you so uncomfortable that sitting for long periods or having sex becomes unthinkable.

How do I know if I have localized vulvodynia?

If you have localized vulvodynia, you feel pain in one specific area. The pain can be consistent or occur only when you sit for a long time or have sex. It can be hard to discuss with anyone, including your doctor. But talking about what hurts is the first step to help and healing.

What are the treatment options for vulvodynia?

There is no one treatment for vulvodynia that works for all women; you may need to try a combination of treatments for the best results. These are types of treatment for vulvodynia your doctor may suggest. Also, remember that chronic pain can affect you emotionally.